If you want complete control over the cost and type of materials you use, consider buying a tiny house plan. Some of the leading tiny house builders, who sell finished homes for $60,000 and more, sell the complete plans for those homes for $500 and less. If you don’t have construction experience, you’ll have a lot to learn as you go, but these plans are designed for DIYers. Some are available—from reputable builders—for as little as $79.

You should understand where the building will be parked or planted, ideally on a piece of land you own. Understanding where the fresh water will come from and where waste water will go is very important. Catching rainfall is a popular choice but not very reliable. As for budget, be sure you have a comfortable plan on how the project will be financed.

One of the most intimidating aspects of taking the plunge and moving into a tiny house is how to actually build the tiny house itself. Many people wanting to embrace the tiny house lifestyle are young or maybe have corporate backgrounds, with no building experience to speak of. Buying a house from a builder can be far more expensive than buying plans and building it yourself, but for a first time builder that can be an impossible task, or can lead to costly mistakes and time delays.